Boston University researcher Diana Anderson has received a $270,418 grant to investigate the relationship between nursing home architecture and health outcomes. The study aims to assess associations between evidence-based design features and critical resident-centered outcomes, such as ambulation and physical function.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that younger women and women with fewer prior pregnancies are more likely to be misdiagnosed with interstitial ectopic pregnancy. This study highlights the importance of awareness among radiologists and gynecologists to improve accuracy in transvaginal ultrasound screening.
Jillian C. Shipherd, a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the 2025 Charles Silverstein Lifetime Achievement Award in Social Justice for her significant contributions to advancing social justice initiatives, particularly in LGBTQ+ health policy and research. Her work focuses on the intersection...
Ann McKee, MD, a renowned neurologist, has received a $4.2M NIH grant to investigate the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts on brain health. Her research aims to identify early-life biomarkers for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found knowledge gaps among emergency and primary care physicians in post-self-managed medication abortion (SMMA) care. Physicians at Catholic health systems reported feeling curtailed in their ability to provide SMMA care, emphasizing the need for improved training.
Researchers identified novel genes, including ADAMTS2, significantly more active in brain tissue from African American donors with Alzheimer's disease. This study provides crucial insights into the genetic architecture of Alzheimer's risk in African Americans.
A new study found that young adults with high and improving heart health have low risk for heart attacks and strokes, while those who decline in heart health face increased risk. Improving heart health early on can lead to a longer and healthier life.
Researchers Denise M. Sloan and Brian P. Marx developed Written Exposure Therapy (WET) to help trauma survivors manage PTSD symptoms. The therapy involves writing about traumatic experiences to build tolerance, reducing physical responses and promoting new ways of thinking.
A recent study found that engaging in cognitively stimulating activities such as reading, writing, and playing games can help maintain good cognitive function in older adults. People without a family history of longevity who participated in these activities matched the same level of cognitive functioning as those with familial longevity.
A new study found that deployment to a combat zone can have long-lasting effects on intimate partners, including increased stress and poor relationship quality. Researchers followed a sample of U.S. Army soldiers from before deployment to eight years later, discovering a link between veterans' cognitive decline and partner stress.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that dedicated RCU's in emergency departments improved patient outcomes while reducing hospital stays and costs. The study showed that RCUs led to improved efficiency, documentation, and reimbursement for the hospital.
A study from Boston University School of Medicine found that a wristband cooling device significantly reduced severe hot flash episodes among participants with breast cancer, prostate cancer, and postmenopausal women. The device was shown to reduce severe hot flash episodes by 46% and daily hot flashes by 18%.
A new study finds that student-led personal storytelling initiatives improve medical education by enhancing empathy, community, and understanding of patients' experiences with illness. By sharing their own stories, students become more emotionally aware and better prepared to support their patients.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine reveals a cascade of brain injuries in young former contact sport athletes, leading to neuron loss, inflammation, and vascular damage. Many changes were seen in athletes before the onset of CTE.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine will create a detailed postmortem cardiac and blood vessel tissue repository to study the relation between cardiovascular risk factors and structure. The project aims to identify new biomarker signatures for cardiovascular disease, advancing our understanding of CVD risk.
Boston University researcher Nobuyuki Ishibashi has been awarded a $6.5M grant from the Department of Defense to study caspase inhibition for neuroprotection in pediatric cardiac surgery patients who suffer from life-long neurological deficits and behavioral problems.
Researchers studying age-related cognitive decline may discover a novel therapy using extracellular vesicles from young stem cells. The treatment aims to slow memory loss with aging and potentially protect against Alzheimer's disease.
A new study associates Slit Guidance Ligand 2 (SLIT2) protein levels with neurocognitive test scores in middle-aged individuals, suggesting a potential biomarker for detecting mild cognitive impairment and early dementia. The research also found that SLIT2 levels in vitreous humor are up to seven times higher than in plasma.
A new study found that youth suicide rates are moving in different directions across countries, with some groups seeing stable or declining rates while others show increases. In the US, youth suicide rates have recently begun to level off or decline, but young men still account for the highest overall rates.
Researchers studied childhood social determinants and their impact on young adult cardiovascular health, finding associations with poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and adverse blood cholesterol levels. The study aims to guide pediatricians and public health policy makers in promoting better lifelong health trajectories.
A Boston University researcher proposes re-evaluating medical parole policies to focus on compassionate release and expedited decision-making by an external medical review board. Studies show that only 11% of applications are granted, resulting in thousands dying in prison each year, disproportionately affecting Black people.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine are investigating the link between chronic wound stress and aging. The team will study whether prolonged wound stress accelerates both biological aging markers and physical decline in older adults.
Dane Scantling received a 3-year NIH grant to use geospatial methods to identify non-trauma centers that could narrow disparities in access to care for shooting victims. The research aims to estimate potential lives saved by converting these hospitals into trauma centers.
A new study found that people with more years of education lost their memory and thinking abilities faster after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 older adults and suggest that common cognitive tests may miss early signs of the disease in highly educated individuals.
A high protein diet, rich in tryptophan, increases the risk of cancer-associated venous thrombosis. The study found that inhibiting tryptophan metabolism and blocking its metabolite Kynurenine can mitigate this risk.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that tiny particles in the blood, known as exosomes, can reprogram immune cells inside tumors making them weaker and allowing the cancer to grow and spread more easily. The study provides new insights into why people with type 2 diabetes have worse breast cancer outcomes.
Researchers from Boston University identified mutational signatures in a large Chinese population, finding similarities with American populations but also distinct correlations with clinical factors. The study provides new insights into the relationship between environmental exposure and cancer development.
BU researchers Hui Feng and Venetia Zachariou have received a $2.1 million NIH grant to fund a five-year training program in biomolecular pharmacology. The program aims to prepare the next generation of independent investigators through individualized and multidisciplinary research training.
Researchers at Boston University developed an AI tool that can accurately predict key signs of Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid beta and tau presence, using common tests like brain scans and memory checks.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine explored a new curriculum that encouraged medical students to explore attitudes like trust while learning bedside cardiac assessment. The study found that knowledge, skills, and attitudes worked together, with humility being key to patient-centered communication and building trust.
Researchers at Boston University have found that exosomes released by obese tissues can turn slow-moving TNBC cells into highly mobile and invasive ones. This discovery could lead to the development of non-invasive biomarkers for metastatic risk and new drug targets like Rho-protein inhibitors.
Researchers at Boston University have created a new language model called PodGPT that combines expert knowledge from podcasts with the latest research articles. The model has been shown to better understand and answer scientific questions, particularly those related to biology, math, and medicine.
Aortic aneurysms are potentially lethal dilatations of the aorta with limited treatment options. Researchers seek to understand molecular mechanisms and develop targeted therapies to prevent AA morbidity and deaths. Dr. Francesca Seta aims to create experimental tools for novel therapies.
Jingyan Han has received a three-year, $300,000 AHA Transformational Project Award to study artificial blood vessels using 3D printing. Her research aims to improve understanding of vascular biology and disease resistance by investigating the role of cell alignment in vascular function.
A new study found low free thyroxine levels in pregnancy increased risk of gestational diabetes, but mild subclinical hypothyroidism was not associated with higher risks. Levothyroxine treatment may not be necessary for mild cases, and further clinical trials are needed to determine its potential benefits.
Veterans with female sex and racial/ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by opioid overdose deaths. Younger females and racially minoritized veterans experience high rates of overdose deaths during times of healthcare stress.
Boston University medical students Teresia Perkins and Mathew Krick have been awarded the ASCO Medical Student Rotation Award for their groundbreaking projects on prostate cancer treatment and uveal melanoma research. Their studies aim to identify care gaps and inform targeted interventions to improve outcomes in underprivileged popula...
Advanced gallbladder cancer patients with T3/T4 stages face high complication and mortality rates from aggressive surgery. Researchers recommend personalized treatment approaches tailored to individual risk factors to improve outcomes and quality of life.
A new study found that implementing child access prevention laws and concealed carry permitting policies in each state could prevent up to 110,000 firearm suicides from 2010-2019. This data supports evidence-based firearm legislation aimed at reducing firearm-related deaths.
Researchers found that unconditional cash transfers improve breastfeeding rates and have little impact on postpartum mood. UCTs ease financial strain, allowing parents to rest and bond with their baby, leading to better child development and stronger families.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have received a $3.1M NIH grant to study the molecular mechanisms of aortic aneurysms and dissections. The study aims to understand whether preventing oxidative post-translational modifications on sirtuin-1 can prevent aortic aneurysm progression.
Researchers have identified brain regions sensitive to self-death associations in veterans at low risk for suicide. The findings provide insight into the neural mechanisms that contribute to suicidality and may aid in the development of novel treatments targeting the brain mechanisms underlying suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Dennis Jones, a BU researcher, has received the Cotran Early Career Investigator Award for his work on cancer research and vascular biology. He aims to improve T cell entry into tumors by developing approaches to enhance blood vessel function.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered that PAX3 mainly uses its paired domain to bind to DNA and turn on genes promoting cell growth and survival. The study suggests that targeting the paired domain of PAX3 could be an effective way to treat melanoma.
A new study, led by the Boston University CTE Center, aims to develop a definitive diagnostic criteria for CTE in living patients. The study will recruit 350 men, including 225 former college and professional football players, to investigate new potential biomarkers using blood and brain imaging.
Cassandra Pierre, a BU researcher, has received the Bayard Rustin Award for Courage for her work on low-cost interventions to prevent infections in vulnerable populations. Her clinical interests include HIV management in pregnant women and subpopulations.
A new study found Haitian immigrant mothers who arrived in the US in 2021 or later experience high blood pressure during pregnancy and financial struggles after giving birth. This highlights serious health risks faced by recent Haitian immigrants, including hypertension and postpartum financial concerns.
A novel biological pathway, the IL6 pathway, has been identified as central to calciphylaxis skin lesion initiation and progression. Blocking this pathway could prevent progression of skin ulcers and resolve pain in patients with calciphylaxis.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that negative distractions significantly disrupted participants' ability to sustain attention during tasks, leading to decreased accuracy and speed. The findings also revealed that upsetting distractors were better remembered than neutral or positive ones, suggesting...
Boston University School of Medicine has received PCORI funding to study the long-term effects of federal policy changes on opioid use disorder treatment. The study aims to identify where and for whom more patient-centered practices can be implemented.